Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1887-05-05

Special Correspondence Of Gazette and journal
NEWARK, April 2S.-The barn on the farm
of the RoberS Cook estate, situated about
two miles east OF here, was completely de-
stroyed yesterday morning by Ore as stated
in tho GAZETTE last week. The fire was
not discovered until It had gained consider
able Roadway, and the barn was reduced to
ashes.
The barn was about 60 by 25 feet, OF
frame, and containing much hay, grain,
&C.; also farm implements OF all kinds.
These were all lost, and with them two fine
young horses and three COWS, all the con-
tents being the property OF the tenant,
Daniel Draper, who estimates his individual
loss on contents at $500, uninsured. The
loss on the building will be about $500.
fully covered by insurance In the Farmers
Mutual Of New Castle county. The loss OF
his livestock and crops is very serious
misfortune at this busy season. The origin
| is unknown.
The funeral of David B. Wilson was held
yesterday afternoon from his residence,
Linden Hall. Inter ment was made at White
Clay Greek Presbyterian Church cemetery.
| DR.. Jacob L. Veasey of Summit Bridge,
| who died on Saturday of heart disease, In
cemetery near his home. He leaves one
son, farmer in Pencader hundred.
NEWARK, April 9.-The office of Squire
Vallandigham was the scene of start
| ling confession yesterday morning when
the mystery surrounding the destruction
| of the barn and contents of Daniel Draper
on Wednesday morning was cleared. The
fire was first discovered by the family
pouring out of the doors and windows
and was in such an advanced stage as TO
defy the strenuous efforts of the assembled
neighbors to conquer il. No one had
been known to be,in the barn for some
time previous TO its ignition and the only
reasonable theory was that of spontaneous
combustion in the manure. About
O'Clock in the same afternoon fire broke
out in the house about 400 feet from the
barn and its total destruction was narrowly
prevented by the prompt discovery and
suppression on the part of the family.
Suspicion at once pointed to a10-years-
old oolored domestic whose manner was
considerably perturbed. She was ques.
toned and her unsatisfactory answers led
to her detention in the house until yester'
day morning when she was brought here
and charged before Squire Vallandigham
with arson. The proceedings of the trial
must certainly have impressed her, fol
she soon entered into minute and ex
plicit confession, both of her successful
| anu uubucc6shIul httciupLSs 1or uhlu
she gave as Amy Roberts and went on Il
say that she slipped quietly into th'
barn and purposely stepped upon 6
match, which ignited the surrounding
hay. She then went quietly into tn
house without giving any intimation o
, her act.
Her next offence was about O'Clock
she said, and at that time she struck ,
match and Intentionally threw it into I
a pile Of papers behind q lounge. These o
I course ignited and she walked leisurel,
, up stairs. The fire was put OUT withou
! much damage. The prisoner answsre'
every question in a straightforward man
ner but would give no reason or motiv
I whatever for her deeda. She was com
mitted to Jail without bail as portiol
!. of her offence is high arson and is capi
= tai crime.
1t is not likely that this latter oharg
will be preferred but she will be tried fc
simple arson, the punishment for whic
is heavy fine, imprisonment, one hou
I In the pillory and 20 lashes.